Inner sanctum of Tirupathi Temple

10 Famous Temples Nearby Tirupati

The Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, one of the richest temples in the world, is celebrated among the Hindus, especially among the devotees of Lord Vishnu. There are 7 hills in Tirumala and the main temple is nestled on the 7^th peak. It was constructed in the beginning of 300 AD and it is one among the 8 Vishnu Swayambu Kshetras. Daily, 50,000 – 1,00,000 pilgrims visit the temple and during the festivals and special occasions the number goes up to 5,00,000.

10 famous temples nearby Tirupati are listed below:

Sri Kalahasti Temple

The ancient Kalahasti Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is 36 km away from Tirupati. It is believed that Kannappa Naayanar, the great devotee of Lord Shiva, lived here. It is this temple, where he donated his eyes to prevent the bleeding on the Shiva Linga.

The meaning for the term ‘Kala Hasti’ is Snake and Elephant. Both are the symbol for spiritual empowerment. Kalahasti is also renowned for the VayuLinga, which denotes the wind in Panchabootha. Pilgrims, who visit Tirupati, should make their presence here to get abundant blessings. Since the temple is linked with Rahu and Kethu in Navagraha, people with the particular dhosham visit here for parikaaram. Suvarnamuki River flows in the northern side of Kalahasti and washes its west wall. Therefore, it is otherwise called Dakshin Kailash or Kailash of the South.

Srinivasa Mangapuram

The Lord Vishnu in his Kalyaana Venkateswara/Prasanna Venkateswara incarnation is present in Srinivasa Mangapuram temple. The idol is identical to Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati. Mythology says that it is the lord prescribed substitute for Tirumala Balaji and has been prominent for its abundant divine power. Unlike the main temple in Thirumala, devotees can easily reach the Swami, without the devastating long queues. Even the newly wedded couples can visit and get the shower of blessings for their future, unlike the main Sri Tirumala Balaji Temple, where the tradition forbids the newly wedded couples. The temple is 12 km away from the Tirupathi bus stand.

Sri Padmavati Devi temple

Travel 5 km from Tirupati hills and reach Sri Padmavati temple, which is also known as Alamelu Mangauram. Every other day, the temple gets 1000s of pilgrims, as Goddess Alamelu is the wife of Lord Venkateswara, standing in the main Tirumala Temple. She is the source of love and compassion and she is believed to emerge from Lotus flower. Many newly wedded couples visit this temple for their great future.

Sri Govinda Raja Swamy Temple

Sri Govinda Raja Swamy is believed to be the elder brother of Tirupati Venkateswara and had a significant role in arranging the wedding between Lord Venkateswara and Padmavadi Devi Thayar. The temple is very near to the railway station and its Gaali Gopuram is visible even before you reach the city. Pilgrims pray to him to remove the hurdles against wealth and abundance. Besides the idol of Sri Govinda Raja Swamy, the temple also houses various sanctums for Andal, Lord Krishna, Sri Lakshmi, Sri Ramanuja Thirumangai Alwar, Sri Manevala Mahamunlu and Sri Vedanta Desika.

Varaha Swamy Temple

Lord Varaha is considered as the chief caretaker of the seven Tirumala hills and is one of the significant incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Brahmapuranas say that Lord Venkatesa obtained the consent of Lord Varaha to reside in Tirupati Tirumala hills. Further, Naivedyam (food) is offered to Lord Varaha Swamy, before offering it to Lord Venkatesa. Eventually, pilgrims visit the most important Varaha Swamy temple before entering into the main temple.

Sri Kapileswara Swamy Temple

It is a Shiva temple and found at the foothills of Tirumala. Pilgrims enter into the temple after taking bath in Kapila Theertham, a sacred waterfall. They believe that their sins are flushed out by taking a bath under this beautiful waterfall. The waterfall attracts many tourists, as well.

Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple

The Puranas illustrate that Lord Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana stayed here for a night, on their way back to Ayodhya. Therefore, it has different sanctums for Sita and Lakshmana. Quick Darshan is the alluring factor, which attracts more pilgrims to this temple. It is just 3 km away from Tirupati.

Sri Veda Narayana Swamy Temple

With its impressive architecture, the temple attracts many tourists. Sri Veda Narayana Swamy temple is housed in Nagalapuram, which is 70 km away from Tirupati. The temple was raised by the great king Krishna Devaraya, who dedicated it to his mother Nagala Devi. Lord Vishnu’s Matsya avataram, in the name of Lord Veda Narayana, is highlighted in this temple. It is believed that this avatar saved the Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Adharvana and Sama Vedhas) from Somakudu Rakshasa.

Sri Agatsya Swamy Temple

Amidst the blend of Swarnamuki, Kalyan and Bima rivers, located is this Sri Agatsya Swamy temple. Travel 12 km from Tirupati and engross in the awe inspiring sculptures of this temple. The Sanctums include Sri Parvati Devi, Lord Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana and Hanuman. Under the power of marvelous nature, the pilgrims get the Darshan. Visit during the months of March – September.

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple

Travel 48 km from Tirumala hills and reach Karvetinagaram, where the Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple is located. It was sanctified by Shri Ramanujacharya and the statue of Lord Venugopala Swamy has Sri Rukmani Devi and Sri Satyabama on the either side. There is an exclusive sanctum for Sri Seetharamula Pattabhishekam, as well.